Topic: Carrot root fly

[tim]

When do they stop?

[betula]

According to Sara raven there are two populations a year,oneend of mayand early June and another end of July early August.These are the time when large numbers of flies are looking for places to lay their eggs.Avoid sowing at these times.Never sow on ground that has recently had carrot or parsnip grown on it as there may be maggots still in the soil.

[Squashman]

I sow carrot seed early under enviromesh, and lift them either first thing in the morning or late afternoon, also plant marigolds around perimeter of mesh. When I lift the mesh I brush against the marigold thereby disguising the carrot fragrance, (that's the theory any way). For my later sown carrot I earth them up to hide the crown. Although some of my carrots do suffer it never seems to be serious.   

[star]

Every time I harvest carrots I cut a few chives or cut up rubbish cloves of garlic and saved ends of onions. Then snip the alliums up where I have pulled carrots from. I did this regularly when the carrots were growing too, I have had only slight damage........quite pleased with the result ;D

[tim]

So - we should be clear of the threat by now?

Yes, I too use cover, but I want to get shot of it.

[calendula]

Oh yes, an allotment that didn't need any kind of cover, I wish  :o

free from carrot fly now but will it be warm enough for good germination  :-\

[Suzanne]

I hope so - my last lot of carrots went in yesterday for autumn/winter finger roots.

Soil feels much warmer than when I sowed the first lot back in March, although I haven't tried the acid test on soil temps (ever I may add) - which is if the soil is warm enough to sit on it with a bare bum then its warm enough to sow seed  :o

[Hyacinth]

Tim, whichever companion planting/disguising method you prefer, I've stuck with the perceived? thinking that the fly are poor fliers and that an erected solid fabric? barrier 18" or so round the bed will be sufficient. I've not done this because it would be ugly in a garden where, essentially, the veggie beds have to look good, but I'm thinking you've the ground area to give this a go?

[shirlton]

I didn't have any spoiled carots last year. In fact they were great. This year I have fleeced and put wire mesh cages on the earliy ones and somehow or another the blighters have got in.

[KathrynH]

I've found that planting them amongst rows of onions tends to keep carrot fly to a minimum.

[kt.]

I will let you know in December.  Just sowed my "Autumn King 2"  supply of winter carrots last week in containers.  All the containers are in my unheated greenhouse to help bring them along.

[Browns]

We always plant ours in an old bath and then surround it with an 18 inch 'barrier' to stop the flies getting through.
This years crop have been excellent!  ;D

[saddad]

Very sensible Browns, and welcome to the site...  ;D